While life expectancy is increasing in Western countries, cases of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer are increasing, and the use of medication has exploded.Does this mean that in order to live to a ripe age we are condemned to swallow more and more drugs? What if there was another way?

The role of the potassic channels on the level of the cellular membrane constitutes the first part of the video. Then, the mechanism of action of these new molecules, called "potassic activators" is illustrated. Finally, the video ends with the explanation of the use of these drugs by the treatment of chronic hypertension, and the perspective views.

This film demonstrates the surgical procedure of the distal splenorenal shunt of Warren. This shunt is useful for avoiding hemorrhages from esophagal varices veins in patients suffering from terminal portal hypertension.

Diagnosis processes must be very strictly conducted because hypertension may be asymptomatic, its consequences severe, its causes are various and its treatment very long.This video documentary has been designed to assist the practitioner in his daily work and give clear and practical answers to his questions. It will tackle successively the circumstances of the discovery, the repercussions on the three noble organs. This film is the first of a series dedicated to cardiology and arterial hypertension conceived for the needs of contimous medical training.

Hemorrhage from esophagogastric varices is a serious complication of portal hypertension. Treatment includes vasoactive drugs, balloon tamponade, local endoscopic methods, surgery like shunts, transsection and devascularization procedures, liver TX and more recently TIPS. During the last decade, new concepts of pathophysiology of portal hypertensionhave evolved and several new therapies have emerged. These new treatment options along with the developments of liver TX have changed our management for bleeding varices.